18th November 2024
The Italian tech sector is experiencing a boom in innovation but faces a significant gap in talent supply. Digital skills are now fundamental for company growth. However, a study by the European Union found that “86% of Italian workers affirm they do not have the digital skills needed for the world of work of the future.” Additionally, Unioncamere discovered that companies making digital investments in 2022 reported difficulties in recruiting for more than 60% of the planned positions.
Recognizing this challenge, the BIAS project has shared the experience of its National Lab member, EgoValeo. Founded in 2010, the company focuses on matching specialized tech and engineering talent with the companies that need them, adopting the head-hunting approach (considered by the company to be the best one for reaping results in the tech sector). EgoValeo reflects its background—a blend of experience in HR and information technology—and its belief that the recruitment process can be transformed through the strategic use of technology. Its core mission aligns with BIAS by bridging the human and technical aspects of recruitment, aiming to complement recruiters’ expertise with human-centric AI tools.
EgoValeo’s founders have deep roots in the Italian tech sector, with extensive experience in managing recruitment and talent in technical fields. They observed frustrations on both sides: companies struggling to fill critical roles and tech professionals facing challenges in navigating recruitment processes. Determined to address this gap, they created a head-hunting company designed to be as innovative as the companies it serves.
From the outset, EgoValeo recognized the potential of AI in supporting recruitment in the tech sector. Its vision has been to help HR practitioners better understand technical profiles and their companies’ needs, while also making recruitment faster, more accurate, and more insightful for both the company and its clients.
EgoValeo’s journey with AI began with fundamental tools, evolving as technology matured. Today, AI is a core part of its operations, serving both as a recruitment tool and a client-facing solution. For its clients, EgoValeo offers a range of AI-powered resources, including smart job descriptions, an AI chatbot for explaining technical terms, and AI-generated interview questions. These tools empower HR practitioners to navigate the technical recruitment process with greater confidence.
Internally, EgoValeo has developed an automated CV screening system. Every CV received is elaborated by AI which extracts the key information, generating a summary that helps its recruiters prioritize candidates. However, recruiters review every CV regardless of the AI output, ensuring that human insight complements AI efficiency. EgoValeo, like BIAS, recognizes the potential and pitfalls of AI, ensuring that recruiters and AI work in tandem and that AI never operates alone.
One of EgoValeo’s most impactful innovations is the Proxy Skills Methodology. This AI-powered tool identifies similar skills to those initially required, widening the talent pool by locating candidates who may not have the exact skill set listed but still possess relevant skills. This methodology has been instrumental in connecting tech companies with the right talent and diversifying the candidate pool.
EgoValeo’s journey has been one of constant learning, offering valuable insights to the HR and AI communities. The company has found that AI works best as an assistant rather than a replacement. While AI streamlines processes, it cannot replace the nuanced understanding that a human recruiter provides. This experience has reinforced the importance of blending technology with human insight to make contextualized decisions. As a head-hunting company with both a human and technical soul, EgoValeo is proud to be part of the BIAS Italian National Lab, working to expand knowledge of AI in recruitment and create a more inclusive labour market.
